Chief of Staff

Ballinger | Leafblad is pleased to conduct the search for the Chief of Staff at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in St. Paul, Minnesota.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TC Habitat) engages a broad network of supporters and community members to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership in the seven-country metro area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. TC Habitat is the largest affordable homeownership builder in the seven-county metro area and is an innovative leader across Habitat for Humanity’s global network.

Since 1985, TC Habitat has partnered with more than 1,900 families to unlock the power of homeownership. Thousands more have stabilized and improved their housing, finances, and quality of life through their programs.

HISTORY & FUTURE
TC Habitat has a rich history rooted in the mission to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership and advance racial equity in housing. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has partnered with families and volunteers to build, renovate, and repair homes across the Twin Cities to create a community where every family has access to the transformational power of home. Through innovative programs, TC Habitat has empowered thousands of families and revitalized neighborhoods.

Over the years, TC Habitat has become a leader in addressing housing inequities, mobilizing corporate, faith-based, and individual supporters to drive its mission forward. By focusing on neighborhoods most affected by disparities and tackling systemic barriers, the organization has been at the forefront of efforts to create a more equitable Twin Cities.

Under the leadership of Chris Coleman, TC Habitat is charting an ambitious path forward with its "Build Forward Together" strategic plan. This plan focuses on expanding homeownership, advancing racial equity and engaging the community. By fostering partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders, TC Habitat aims to strengthen communities and ensure that the transformational power of homeownership is within reach for all families. With an eye on innovation and inclusion, TC Habitat continues to build a brighter, more equitable future for the Twin Cities.

MISSION
Bring people together to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership and advance racial equity in housing.

VISION
An equitable Twin Cities region where all families have access to the transformational power of homeownership.

VALUES
Rooted in faith and community 
Inspired by hope 
Committed to anti-racism 
Driven to innovate

STRATEGIC PLAN
TC Habitat has developed its "Build Forward Together" strategic plan to address the growing need for affordable housing and equity in homeownership across the Twin Cities region. The plan focuses on creating opportunities, fostering partnerships, and building a more inclusive and vibrant community.

The plan is built on three foundational pillars: Expand homeownership, advance racial equity and engage the community. TC Habitat recognizes that access to safe, stable housing is a crucial driver of family stability, educational success, and economic opportunity. Through this strategic plan, the organization aims to create systemic change while directly impacting families and neighborhoods.

Expanding Homeownership Opportunities:

• Build, renovate, and repair more homes annually to meet the increasing demand.
• Enhance access to affordable mortgage options and financial literacy programs.
• Partner with local organizations to increase the reach and impact of housing solutions.

Promoting Housing Equity:

• Address systemic barriers to homeownership for historically underserved communities, particularly communities of color.
• Advocate for policy changes that support affordable housing at local and state levels.
• Focus efforts in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by housing disparities.

Strengthening Community Engagement:

• Mobilize a diverse range of volunteers, donors, and corporate partners to support the mission.
• Foster collaboration with faith communities and other civic organizations.
• Elevate the voices and experiences of partner families in shaping housing solutions.

With this forward-looking strategy, TC Habitat is dedicated to building a future where every family in the Twin Cities has the opportunity to achieve the stability and security of homeownership. By working collectively and intentionally, TC Habitat aims to create a region where housing inequities are a thing of the past, and communities can thrive together.

POSITION PROFILE – CHIEF OF STAFF
The Chief of Staff (COS) is an executive leader who serves as a strategic advisor to the President and CEO. They are responsible for supporting the effectiveness of the President and CEO and overall effectiveness of the organization. A key strategic advisor, this role ensures excellence among the executive leadership team and drives accountability among leaders and teams. This role is responsible for management of the Board of Directors on behalf of the President.

The position requires a strong knowledge of the President and CEO’s vision, priorities, and working style—and an ability to act strategically alongside or on their behalf. A relationship builder who nurtures close collaborative connections with all executive and senior leaders at the organization is vital to the success of this position.

The COS is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and directs, manages and is integral to the work of Marketing/Communications and Government Affairs.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief of Staff reports to the President and CEO. Direct reports include: Director of Marketing & Communications, Director of Government Affairs, Executive Associate COS & DEI.

The organization has an annual operating budget of $79 million. There are currently 175 staff members +10 AmeriCorps members at TC Habitat.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Aid the President and CEO and senior leaders in facilitating effective decision-making on complex scenarios with significant organizational impact.
• Proactively prepare the President and CEO to achieve organizational priorities and align their time strategically.
• Support the President and CEO in identifying priorities, reviewing progress, and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Organize and prioritize critical issues, providing necessary information to facilitate efficient decision-making.
• Identify and manage critical issues requiring the attention of the CEO and senior leaders.
• Act as a key thought partner to brainstorm solutions and address challenges.
• Possesses a strong, decisive voice to the executive leadership team and Board
• Coordinate communications and drive accountability for executing strategic initiatives.
• Provide oversight and support for long-term, cross-organizational projects, special initiatives, and strategic plans.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of People and Culture to develop leaders, establish leadership practices, and enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Partner with the Chief Strategy & Operations Officer (CSOO) and Executive Leadership Team to execute the strategic plan.
• Facilitate cross-organizational priorities, workflows, and systems to integrate work across teams.
• Partner with executive leaders to improve organizational effectiveness, foster alignment, and enhance business outcomes.
• Cultivate staff buy-in and alignment across all levels of the organization.
• Identify big-picture organizational needs and connect priorities across divisions.

Administration & Communications

• Prioritize, schedule, and manage key internal and external meetings to ensure organizational effectiveness.
• Represent TC Habitat at meetings / events on behalf of the President and CEO, capturing key takeaways and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Coordinate weekly executive leadership team and all-staff meetings, including scheduling and agenda preparation.
• Provide support to the President and Executive Leadership Team for managing and executing virtual and in-person events as needed.
• Provide direction on communications for President & CEO: drafting emails, reports, presentations, internal and external communications.

Board Liaison

• Serve as a key liaison and point of contact to the Board of Directors on behalf of the President and CEO.
• Act as the primary staff liaison to the Governance Committee, managing tasks and follow-ups.
• Oversee meeting preparation and planning for Board of Directors in collaboration with Executive Associate and Board Liaison; support the President and CEO in managing interactions with board chair and committee leaders.
• Partner with the President and CEO and the Governance Committee to develop board leadership that supports the organization’s mission and goals.
• Collaborate with the President and CEO, Board, and Committee Chairs to implement a relationship model emphasizes strong engagement between leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Partner with Government Affairs staff to serve as a liaison to the Board Advocacy Committee.

Marketing & Communications Leadership

• Develops and Communicates Vision: Establishes and communicates the organization's overarching vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with marketing and communications goals to achieve organizational objectives.
• Leads Marketing and Communications Oversight: Provides high-level strategic direction for marketing and communications initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization’s brand, mission, and growth priorities. Offers guidance to Marketing and Communications team by helping troubleshoot problems and strategize.

Government Affairs Leadership

• Develops Policy Priorities: Establishes and communicates the organization's public policy and advocacy priorities, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Leads Government Affairs Oversight: Provides strategic direction for government relations and advocacy efforts, ensuring impactful engagement with policymakers and regulatory bodies. Offers guidance to Government Affairs team by helping troubleshoot problems and strategize.

Team Development:

• Set expectations for staff.
• Select and on-board team members.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback.
• Annually appraise performance and use improvement plans if needed.
• Identify training needs and ensure solutions are provided.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with high level executives in a complex organization.
• A multi-faceted person, with experience in wide-ranging or cross-functional areas, and an eagerness to learn new skills.
• Strategic thinker, data-driven and analytical in approach to solving problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication; listens well and can easily learn to communicate in someone else’s “written voice.”
• Excels at building relationships and networks; influences others to achieve outcomes.
• Systems and process-thinker; excels at creating order out of chaos.
• Comfortable behind the stage, supporting the person in the spotlight; thrives on helping others be their best selves and anticipating their needs before they are spoken.
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.

Education, Credentials, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, non-profit management, marketing, government affairs, liberal arts or related.
• 7+ years of experience managing and developing leaders.
• Strong Board of Directors experience, including building mutually beneficial relationships.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Personal auto insurance compliant with TC Habitat’s Driver’s Policy.
• Basic Proficiency in MS Office, email and use of the Internet.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Achieve Results: Leverage knowledge and develop, advocate, and implement plans to achieve organizational goals
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others, inside and outside the organization, to achieve shared goals
• Strategic Mindset: Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies
• Change Leadership: Inspires others to understand the need for change and helps plan for and accommodate it as creatively and positively as possible
• Resourcefulness: Copes with challenges by securing and leveraging resources effectively and independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree preferred in Business, Finance, Marketing or Public Policy.
• Long term relationships in affordable housing sector and comfort leveraging network.
• Knowledge of policy making process at all levels of government, understanding of political industry and environment, fluency in public funding programs.
• Belief in the importance of grassroots advocacy and commitment to resourcing that work.
• Experience and expertise of marketing and communications strategies.

Physical requirements and work environment:

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing, often for prolonged periods.
• The work is performed in an office environment with minor exposure to dust, dirt and conditions normally found on floor surfaces, desks, and furniture.

Hours of work and required travel:

• Core business hours are Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• The position will require flexible work hours which will include evenings and weekends
• Flexible scheduling may be available
• Hybrid scheduling (work from home) may be available
• Regular travel within the 7-county metro area for community and corporate meetings, etc.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $190,000-$225,000. Compensation includes participation in the comprehensive benefits plan.

TO APPLY
Inquiries may be directed to Damon Shoholm, damon@ballingerleafblad.com or Lars Leafblad, lars@ballingerleafblad.com.
Applications will be accepted until February 21, 2025 or until the position has been filled, which may be earlier. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications. All inquiries will remain confidential.